Port Rumors III
- admiraljellyfishh
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
Filed During: Cycle 0 – Phase V: Low Lantern Drift
Lanternmark: 70
System: Fringe Expanse – Sector 88-Δ
Compiled By: Dock Ledger Attendant (Name Withheld by Request)
This record is not Fleet-sanctioned. It exists because people keep asking the same questions, and it is easier to write them down than pretend they were never said.
1. The Tide Marker Is Changing
The pillar that rose at the shoreline several weeks ago continues to emit light patterns along its carved grooves. Those patterns are not consistent.
Several dockhands insist the spiral glyphs rotate differently each evening. One claims he counted five rotations where there had previously been three. Another says the glow brightens whenever the Medusara returns to orbit.
No one has attempted to climb it again after the last volunteer reported a ringing in his teeth that lasted three days.
The Marker has not moved.
But many claim it looks slightly taller.
2. The Forest Paths Do Not Agree With Maps
The inland paths between Port Moonmarsh and the terrace farms have begun to behave strangely.
Couriers report reaching landmarks at different intervals than expected. One messenger claims a journey that normally takes thirty minutes required nearly an hour despite walking the same road.
The landmarks themselves have not changed.
The turns simply arrive later.
An older resident summarized the situation as follows:
“The forest is still polite about it. It just takes the long way now.”
This statement doesn’t make sense to me, but I am noting it anyways.
3. The Moss Beneath the Boardwalks Has Gone Still
The filament moss that lines the underside of the docks used to pulse faintly whenever large groups crossed the planks. The rhythm was subtle but consistent enough that regulars joked the harbor could feel when someone heavy was walking above it.
The moss has not pulsed in five nights.
It has not withered either.
It remains bright, healthy, and completely still. It’s almost like it’s sleeping.
The tavernkeeper was overheard saying:
“Reckon it’s digesting something pretty big this time.”
He refused to elaborate.
4. Something Large Moves Beneath the Bay
Fishing crews have begun reporting wide shapes passing beneath their boats during low tide.
These shapes are larger than any known hallowfin swayer and move in slow, circular patterns beneath the harbor. The water surface barely disturbs when they pass.
One crew lowered a net into the water to confirm the movement.
The net was returned intact but partially unwoven, as if the fibers had been separated one by one.
The fisherman responsible for that net refused to launch his boat the following evening. When asked why, he reportedly said:
“Nah, you don't fish after dark when the deepfolk come up. Everyone 'round here knows that, kid.”
He would not provide me much information on this, so I turned to others.
Several older residents later confirmed that there are certain tides each cycle that bring larger things from the deeper waters of the planets ocean into the bay.
5. Imperial Activity Has Increased
Residents have noted a higher frequency of shuttle descents from the Medusara. Several unfamiliar personnel have been observed conducting inland surveys without escort from the port.
It has been quietly suggested that these individuals are not part of Admiral Aurelia’s original crew.
Some locals appear less concerned by this than the Empire likely intended.
One woman selling dried seafruit reportedly remarked:
“If the Empire’s nervous enough to send extra eyes, then seems as though they're starting to get a big head on their pointy shoulders about what they can gain out of this lovely world.”
6. The Forest Edge Is Receiving Offerings
Several small bundles of herbs, shells, and polished stones have appeared along the treeline where the lantern paths end.
No one claims responsibility for placing them.
No one has admitted removing them either.
The bundles disappear by morning.
There are never any tracks nearby.
When asked about the practice, an elderly resident replied:
“It’s not worship. It’s just courtesy for the ones that keep the port safe.”
7. Other Systems Are Starting to Ask Questions
Word of the Lantern world has begun to circulate beyond the Fringe Expanse.
Exploratory vessels from at least two neighboring sectors have reportedly requested coordinates for the region. Imperial officials have declined to confirm the location publicly.
This has not stopped speculation.
A visiting courier claimed that certain navigators have begun calling Solanthis “the Harbor That Hides.”
One resident responded to this news by saying:
“If they find it, they’ll think they discovered it.”
Another resident replied:
“And that’s when the trouble starts.”
Closing Note
Port Moonmarsh remains peaceful.
Lanterns still burn through the evening tide. The tavern is full most nights. Children still chase tide crabs along the docks.
But more people are watching the forest than they used to.
And when the bells ring after dark, the sound now carries farther inland than it should.
Some residents claim the echo answers.
No one has stayed long enough to confirm.
Comments